Firefighters douse a fire at the Post Office building in Manila on May 22, 2023. (Photo by Agence France-Presse)
MANILA, Philippines — Forty-two representatives are pushing for a thorough probe into the “disastrous” fire that gutted the historic Manila Central Post Office (MCPO) building last weekend.
Filed last Tuesday, House Resolution No. 1019 said an investigation in aid of legislation is necessary “considering its significance as a heritage site, with the end view of addressing the government’s intervention and mandates, as well as maximizing the government’s effort in protecting, preserving and safeguarding our heritage sites.”
The post office was declared an important cultural property by the National Museum in 2018.
House creative industry and performing arts panel chair Rep. Christopher de Venecia said “the historic MCPO building did not have any kind of fire suppression system or even water sprinklers.”
De Venecia added that they will also ask the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Government Service Insurance System to identify historic buildings that have no fire suppression systems.